Cando Certification Process

Why is Certification Important?

The Government of Canada has committed to working toward increased self-government for First Nations. A key element of self-government is control over one's own resources. Communities must diversity their economic resource base and negotiate new fiscal arrangements with the Canadian government. These negotiations can have a dramatic impact on each member of the community, making the role of the individuals managing such a process immense. Indigenous EDOs are almost always directly involved or have responsibility for the resulting outcomes of the negotiations.

Indigenous EDOs must therefore be skilled and knowledgeable to assess the resource base, negotiate with Corporate Canada, and establish effective partnerships. Because so much depends on them, they must feel confident in their jobs and be sure of their skills.

Cando's research has shown that many Indigenous EDOs tend to concentrate their efforts in areas where they feel most comfortable, and neglect or ignore areas in which they feel weak. Cando Certification will make certain that all candidates enrolled in the Process have the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfill the requirements of their position more effectively, and are able to pursue their future career plans.